A police officer and young mum hailed a hero for stopping a deadly stabbing rampage in Bondi has been diagnosed with a rare cancer.

NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott was widely celebrated for her bravery after running towards and then shooting dead Joel Cauchi to end his attack at Bondi Junction shopping centre in April 2024.

The mother-of-two was later awarded the NSW Police Commissioner's Valour Award and received praise from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns.

Mr Minns said he was devastated to learn on Monday she had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.

"If anyone deserves a break, it's Amy," Mr Minns told reporters.

"She's a genuine bona fide hero, someone we owe a huge debt of gratitude to.

"Not just because of her heroic actions in Bondi Junction a couple of years ago, but she's also been an inspiration for the exact same officers that attended the terrorism event on the 14th of December (2025)."

When two gunmen opened fire on Bondi Beach in mid-December, killing 15 people, Inspector Scott had been one of the first to call the local commander and offer help, NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said.

NSW Police Legacy, which helps support the families of officers, has set up a fundraiser for Inspector Scott.

It smashed through its $25,000 goal within two hours and reached $50,000 by 12.30pm.

Beyond her career, Insp Scott has been lauded as a devoted wife and mother to two young boys.

"Amy is widely known as selfless, compassionate, and one of the kindest people you could ever meet," the fundraiser says.

"She is every bit the remarkable human you would think.

"She is fiercely independent and the first to champion others."

Six people were killed and another dozen injured during the stabbing incident at Bondi Junction.

After Insp Scott shot Cauchi, his family issued a statement saying she "was only doing her job to protect others".

Her actions were praised by many during the inquest into the fatal attack.